Description
This Vibrant Spring Salad with Avocado is a fresh, colorful, and satisfying dish combining crisp spring vegetables, creamy avocado, plant-based cheese, and a zesty apple cider vinegar dressing. Ideal as a light lunch or a stunning side, it offers a perfect balance of textures and bright flavors that celebrate the essence of spring.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 ripe avocado, cubed
- 4 cups spring mix greens
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese (crumbled)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (parsley or mint)
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (natural)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (natural)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash the spring mix greens thoroughly and pat them dry. Slice the cucumber into thin rounds and halve the cherry tomatoes for manageable, juicy bites. Finely slice the red onion to distribute its sharpness evenly throughout the salad.
- Cube the Avocado and Crumble the Cheese: Cut the avocado into medium-sized cubes, ensuring they hold their shape to create creamy pockets. Crumble the plant-based cheese gently so it sprinkles evenly, adding bursts of savory richness.
- Mix the Dressing: Whisk together apple cider vinegar (natural), olive oil, fresh lemon juice (natural), minced garlic (natural), and a pinch of salt until the dressing is emulsified and bright. Taste and adjust acidity or seasoning as preferred to perfectly lift the salad flavors.
- Combine Everything: In a large bowl, toss spring mix, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion with the dressing, making sure every leaf and vegetable is lightly coated. Gently fold in the avocado cubes and crumble the plant-based cheese on top before garnishing with fresh chopped herbs.
Notes
- Use the freshest vegetables to ensure crisp texture and vibrant flavors.
- Fold in avocado last to prevent bruising and maintain its creamy texture.
- Keep greens and vegetables chilled before serving to preserve freshness and crunchiness.
- Prepare the dressing ahead of time to enhance flavor development.
- Serve the salad immediately after tossing to avoid sogginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: spring salad, avocado salad, plant-based cheese, fresh vegetables, healthy salad, gluten-free salad, vegan salad
